Maryland's 2014 candidates for governor

Anthony G. Brown -- Democrat

Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun

Brown, 52, grabbed a solid lead in early polls, with many Democrats undecided. He recruited a popular running mate in Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, 39, and has gained the endorsement of the state's leading Democrats. But no lieutenant governor in Maryland has won election to the top job. Brown has to hope that Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration, of which he's a part, remains popular among Democrats.

Brown, 52, grabbed a solid lead in early polls, with many Democrats undecided. He recruited a popular running mate in Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, 39, and has gained the endorsement of the state's leading Democrats. But no lieutenant governor in Maryland has won election to the top job. Brown has to hope that Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration, of which he's a part, remains popular among Democrats. (Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun)

The 2014 campaign for Maryland governor is well under way, with contested primary races in both the Democratic and Republican parties. The primary election is June 24. Candidates include three Democrats and four Republicans. -- Michael Dresser